I just saw a post that stated that the newest iOS update is granting star link access to your device. I have read the synopsis of the changes included in the update and do not see any mention of this as a change.
Is there a chance that this is included in an update without notification being provided? Is there a way to opt out of certain components of an update?
This is a complicated issue. While Apple is touting new satellite services, there are many other satellites besides Starlink. Apple has not announced any integrations with Starlink. But that doesn't mean that Apple devices won't work with Starlink now or in the future.
Apple's published documentation for Connecting to a satellite with your iPhone does not mention Starlink, but it does specifically say that Apple's satellite services are provided by "third-party network providers". So that could obviously include Starlink.
Furthermore, that same documentation specifically says that, "During certain disaster situations, your carrier may provide cellular connectivity to iPhone models using their satellite capability even if you have turned them off for everyday use and “SAT” doesn’t appear in the status bar." So you may be connected via Starlink and never know about it.
I understand that some people may not want to have any association with Starlink because of recent political events or because of Starlink's status as a military asset. If you have concerns, please send feedback to Apple. I also encourage you to send feedback to your cellular data provider as well. This kind of feedback could give Apple and other companies incentive to choose other providers for satellite services.
This is a complicated issue. While Apple is touting new satellite services, there are many other satellites besides Starlink. Apple has not announced any integrations with Starlink. But that doesn't mean that Apple devices won't work with Starlink now or in the future.
Apple's published documentation for Connecting to a satellite with your iPhone does not mention Starlink, but it does specifically say that Apple's satellite services are provided by "third-party network providers". So that could obviously include Starlink.
Furthermore, that same documentation specifically says that, "During certain disaster situations, your carrier may provide cellular connectivity to iPhone models using their satellite capability even if you have turned them off for everyday use and “SAT” doesn’t appear in the status bar." So you may be connected via Starlink and never know about it.
I understand that some people may not want to have any association with Starlink because of recent political events or because of Starlink's status as a military asset. If you have concerns, please send feedback to Apple. I also encourage you to send feedback to your cellular data provider as well. This kind of feedback could give Apple and other companies incentive to choose other providers for satellite services.
Currently the Starlink satellite connection is only for T-Mobile customers that joined the Beta testing.
T-Mobile has yet to come out with a way to unenroll the Starlink satellite connection, but I think it would be best advised to contact T-Mobile support to unenroll.
“Ios update granting starlink access to your device?: I just saw a post that stated that the newest iOS update is granting star link access to your device.[…]”
———-
Thank you for the link.
U.S. Only and in Beta:
This is apparently in beta, mean it is being tested as open source. So, it appears you need to download this as an add-on (from whatever the source), and that this not official.
As the end of the article reads:
”For now, you need to be in the U.S. to be able to have this connectivity, and will apply to handsets from the iPhone 14 onwards. And, of course, it’s limited to a beta program at the moment”
https://www.t-mobile.com/coverage/satellite-phone-service
T-Mobile Starlink beta is coming soon. Register now for a limited number of openings to beta-test satellite-powered messaging.
Coming soon, you’ll be able to send and receive satellite-powered text messages, with plans to pursue voice and data coverage next.
When does T-Mobile’s Starlink beta test begin?
We anticipate starting the beta test in early 2025.
juleah162 wrote:
https://www.forbes.com/sites/davidphelan/2025/02/01/apples-new-game-changer-iphone-update-brings-starlink-satellite-access/
I would not use Forbes as a credible source for Apple related news.
“Ios update granting starlink access to your device?: I just saw a post that stated that the newest iOS update is granting star link access to your device.[…]”
———-
What is the URL of the post?
I would rather buy a flip phone and leave apple than have my data go through starlink. I don’t support or trust any company that works with that lunatic.
Are you a T-Mobile customer?
Did you sign up for the beta testing?
If not, then you won't have access to Starlink.
Ios update granting starlink access to your device?
